Vacuum filled liquid container with cut-off valve

ABSTRACT

A vacuum operated fluid collection container incorporates a float valve for automatically disconnecting the container from an active vacuum source when a predetermined filled condition occurs. The valve is hingedly mounted adjacent an outlet port to which the vacuum source is attached and adapted to depend below the outlet port during normal operation and to float upward for obstructing the outlet port to terminate filling operation when the container is filled. The valve mechanism may be of thermoplastic material in a single, unitary piece. In such form it is particularly effective and inexpensive to manufacture and, accordingly, it is suitable for use with disposable vacuum filled liquid containers.

[ Feb. 4, 1975 1 VACUUM FILLED LIQUID CONTAINER WITH CUT-OFF VALVE [75] Inventor: Walter J. Bornhorst, Acton, Mass.

[73] Assignee: Thermo Electron Corporation,

Waltham, Mass.

22 Filed: May 17, 1973 211 App]. No.: 361,099

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2/1969 Christopher 137/202 7/1969 Clemenson 137/202 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Great Britain 137/202 Primary Examiner-Alan Cohan Attorney, Agent, or Firm-James L. Neal [57] ABSTRACT A vacuum operated fluid collection container incorporates a float valve for automatically disconnecting the container from an active vacuum source when a predetermined filled condition occurs. The valve is hingedly mounted adjacent an outlet port to which the vacuum source is attached and adapted to depend below the outlet port during normal operation and to float upward for obstructing the outlet port to terminate filling operation when the container is filled. The valve mechanism may be of thermoplastic material in a single, unitary piece. In such form it is particularly effective and inexpensive to manufacture and, accordingly, it is suitable for use with disposable vacuum filled liquid containers.

15 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures VACUUM FILLED LIQUID CONTAINER WITH CUT-OFF VALVE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Vacuum filled liquid collection containers for surgical use are conventionally constructed of a receptacle with a fluid tight closure having a fluid outlet adapted to be connected to a vacuum source and a fluid inlet. The vacuum source reduces pressure in the container so fluid is drawn through the inlet from a work area. for example, an incision in a surgical patient. Care must be exercised that the container does not fill completely and allow liquid to be sucked through the outlet port to the vacuum source. To avoid this, such containers are equipped with valve mechanisms in association with the outlet port to close the same when the container is filled to a predetermined level. Certain prior devices have been relatively expensive to manufacture and not wholly satisfactory in their operation. One objectionable tendency of such devices is that the movable valve element tends to stick during storage and must be shaken loose prior to use to avoid malfunction. Of course, this introduces the possibility of human error as well as possibility that some devices cannot be conditioned for use.

The aforementioned deficiencies are particularly objectionable where disposable containers are concerned. Disposable containers must be packed in quantities and shipped, used once and thrown away. The shipping and packing provides ample opportunity for movable elements to stick. Further, the cost of prior devices substantially increases the unit cost of disposable containers. In disposable containers reliability and cost savings are both a major consideration and a device will be practical only if it can fulfill requirements in both these categories.

Accordingly, the primary object of this invention is to provide a vacuum filled liquid collection container having a simple, inexpensive and effective cut'off valve associated with its vacuum source connection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to vacuum filled containers of the general type described above wherein a float valve element is hingedly mounted adjacent the outlet port. The hinged connection permits the valve element to depend below the outlet port, out of sealing engagement, during filling operation of the container. When the container nears its filled condition the liquid will lift the valve element, via its hinged connection, to sealing position. The valve element and hinged connection are inexpensive to manufacture, easy to assemble and not prone to sticking in any position. The tendency to stick is overcome primarily because the valve element is free from contact with supporting or guiding structures against which it might tend to bind or adhere.

In preferred embodiments the float valve element and the hinged connection are formed as one integral thermoplastic member. In one embodiment a buoyant valve element is hingedly mounted adjacent the outlet part by a flexible arm. It is adapted to cover the outlet port and produce sealing action when suction from the vacuum source is applied to that port.

The invention may involve a cup-shaped valve element buoyant in liquid to be collected. The cup-shaped element is hingedly mounted adjacent the outlet port so that its rim engages the inner surface of the container along a path circumscribing the outlet port when the element is in sealing position. The rim may comprise a sealing surface which is drawn into firm sealing engagement by suction forces to seal the vacuum source from the container interior and prohibit passage of liquid through the outlet port. 0n the other hand, to reduce the critical character of the rim seal. initial sealing action produced by the rim may be augmented by a second seal provided by a flexible portion of the cupshaped element which is drawn into firm covering relationship with the outlet port by suction forces. The cupshaped element may have extending therefrom a lip to guard against entry of splashing fluid thereinto and to provide additional lift upon a foamy surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is an exploded perspective view ofa preferred embodiment of this invention showing a container lid and a valve mechanism; and

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG. I, further showing a liquid receptacle in broken section; and

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate further embodiment of the apparatus of FIGS. I and 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The container 10 of FIGS. I and 2 includes a receptacle II and a lid 12 which form a fluid tight seal l4. The lid 12 includes inlet port means 16 and outlet port means I8. The inlet port means comprises a tube 20 formed integrally with the lid I2 and extending outwardly therefrom, adapted for fluid communication with the work area, such as a surgical patient. The tube 20 may be connected to a flexible conduit or the like, not shown, which leads to a cannula. An inlet port 22 is formed in the lid I2 at its junction with the tube 20. The outlet port means 18 includes integrally formed plastic tubes 24 and 26 extending, respectively, outwardly and inwardly of lid 12. The tube 24 is adapted for connection to a vacuum source. The tube 26 establishes communication with the interior of the container I0 and forms at its inner end an outlet port 28. Use of the tube 26 is optional in that the outlet port could be formed along the surface of the lid 12. A container of the above type is described in more detail by copending US. Pat. application Ser. No. 278,054, filed August 4, I972 in the names of Walter J. Bornhorst and Stephen 1. Coleman and titled Disposable Aspirator.

Extending downwardly from the lid 12, adjacent the outlet port 28, is a projection 30 for mounting a float valve means 32.

The float valve means 32 comprises a buoyant cupshaped sealing member or element 34 and a projecting arm means 36 for hingedly mounting the cup-shaped sealing element upon the projection 30. The cupshaped sealing element 34 includes a cylindrical side wall portion 38 and a bottom portion which is thinner than the side wall portion and forms a flexible diaphragm 40. Extending around the element 34 is a lip 42 which merges with the integrally formed projecting arm means 36. The upper rim 44 of the cup-shaped sealing element 34 forms a first valve seat. A second valve seat is formed by the diaphragm 40.

Arm means 36 includes a leaf portion 48 and reinforcing ridge portion 50. The leaf portion 48, if sufficiently rigid, may suffice alone without the supporting ridges 50. However, for reasons which will be explained later, the arm 36 must have a certain amount of stiffness which can be provided by the ridges 50, supplementing the stiffness inherent in the leaf 48. The arm 36 also includes sleeve 52 for insertion over the projection 30. The sleeve and projection are sized so that the two are held in an assembled position by friction. As shown in FIG. 2, the arm means 36 forms a hinge connecting the cup-shaped sealing element 34 to the lid 12 and permits the cup-shaped element 34 to hang down from the lid 12 out of engagement therewith. This is the typical position of the cup-shaped element 34 during filling operation of the container 10. The exact operating position of the cup-shaped element 34 is not critical but there must be enough clearance from the outlet port 28 to prevent suction through the outlet port from drawing the element 34 against the lid 12. On the other hand, the element 344 must not hang down in a substantially vertical position which would permit rising liquid to enter the cup. In other words, the element must be positioned so that it presents a closed buoyant surface to the rising liquid and is lifted by the liquid rather than being filled by the liquid. Further, the arm means 36 must have sufficient flexibility to easily permit pivotal motion of the element 34. In designing the system the weight of the element 34 must be considered in relation to the flexibility of the arm 36.

The lip 42 serves two functions. First, it inhibits the tendency of liquid in the container to splash over the edge of the element 34 and fill the same. Secondly, it provides an extended surface which permits the element 34 to be lifted by the surface tension of any foam which may be present along the liquid surface so that the element will pivot to a sealing position as when the element is lifted directly by floatation upon the liquid surface.

Operation of the system will now be described in connection with FIG. 2. The lid 10 and receptacle 1] are joined in fluid-tight relationship to form the container 10. The tube communicates with the work area. The tube 24 is connected to a vacuum source such as a conventional vacuum pump. The vacuum source draws gasses from the container It] to reduce the pressure therein and draw fluid, which may be liquid or a mixture of liquid and air, from the work area into the container through the tube 20 and the inlet port 22. Filling continues until the liquid level in the container approaches full condition. When this occurs a lower portion, designated 54, of the cup-shaped sealing element 34 is contacted by the liquid. The element is lifted by the rising liquid and pivoted around the hinged connection formed by the arm means 36. It eventually reaches the solid line position shown in FIG. 2. If the liquid is foamy, foam may engage the portion 54 and the lip 42 to raise the element 34. In either event the result is the same. The edge 44 of the element 34 engages a portion of the lid 12 along a path circumscribing and spaced from the outlet port 28 and the tube 26. It forms at least a partial seal between the interior of the cup-shaped sealing element 34 and the remainder of the interior of the container 10. This results in a pressure drop across the walls of the element 34, the space surrounding the outlet port 28 being at a lower pressure than that existing external of the element 34. This pressure difference causes the flexible diaphragm 40 to deflect and cover the outlet port 28. Suction from the vacuum source causes the diaphragm to seat firmly over the outlet port and effectively cut off suction and terminate operation of the device. Operation is thus automatically terminated before liquid can be drawn through the outlet port into the vacuum system.

The container shown in the drawings is formed inexpensively of injection molded plastic parts and is designed to be discarded after each use. Accordingly, when fllled, connections are removed from tubes 20 and 24 and the entire assembly is discarded. If desired. a short length of flexible hose, not shown, can join the tubes 20 and 24 to avoid spillage.

To operate as described. the distance, designated b, from the inner surface ofthe lid 12 to the bottom of the cupshaped sealing element 34 when the element 34 is in sealing position must be greater than the length of the tube 26, designated a. The difference between a and b, however, must not be grater than the amplitude through which the flexible diaphragm moves during operation. In this manner the diaphragm will be permitted to cover the outlet port 28 when a pressure difference exists across the wall of the member 34, as described above. If the tube 26 is omitted, the distance b is such that a relatively shallow element 34 is formed to enable the diaphragm 40 to reach the outlet port 28.

Dimensions of the apparatus described above and materials of construction are not critical. However, in a device built substantially as described above for use with ordinary hospital vacuum pump equipment, the element 34 and arm means 36 are formed integrally of a thermoplastic material such as a vinyl by injection molding. The diameter and depth of the cup-shaped element 34 are L00 inches and 0.69 inches, respectively. The thickness of the diaphragm 40 is 0.01 inches. The leaf 48 of the arm means 36 is 0.50 inches wide, 0.70 inches long and 0.03 inches thick while the two ridges 50 are 0.06 inches deep and 0.03 inches thick.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3, the cup-shaped element 39 differs from the element 34 of FIGS. I and 2 in that it is shallow (i.e., a exceeds b). Its bottom 41 will therefore engage the outlet port and form a seal before its rim engages the inner surface of the container. The cup shape provides buoyancy. Surface 41 is preferably pliable so that it will conform to the shape of the opening. Alternately, the outlet port and the surface 41 could be formed in mating configurations.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment. Cup-shaped element 37 terminates in a tapered, outwardly flaring sealing edge 56. When the element is lifted to sealing position, suction forces will draw this edge into firm sealing engagement with the inner surface of the lid 12 along a path circumscribing the outlet port 28. Thus a firm seal not requiring augmentation by a second seal is provided.

The present invention has been described with respect to a preferred embodiment. Those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

I claim:

I. A disposable vacuum operated liquid collection container adapted for use with a vacuum source, said container comprising in combination:

a. first means above the maximum liquid level for said container defining a fluid outlet port adapted for connection to the vacuum source;

b. Second means defining a liquid inlet for admitting liquid into said container by aspiration in response to action of an energized vacuum source connected to said outlet port,

c. a unitary sealing member cup-shaped for buoyancy defining a surface for sealingly covering said outlet port; and

d. flexible. unitary hinge means integral with said sealing member for mounting said sealing member internal of said container in operative position adjacent said outlet port, said hinge means permitting said member to depend below said port out of sealing position therewith and permitting movement of said member by floatation into said sealing position in response to a predetermined rise ofliquid in said container, said member blocking communication to the vacuum source when in said sealing position.

2. A vacuum operated liquid collection container comprising, in combination:

a. first means above the maximum liquid level for said container defining a fluid outlet port and facili tating connection of the container interior to a vacuum source;

b. second means defining a liquid inlet for admitting liquid into said container by aspiration in response to action of an energized vacuum source connected to said outlet port;

c, a buoyant sealing member mounted internal of said container comprising:

l. a seat for engaging the container wall along a path circumscribing said outlet port and spaced therefrom to establish at least a partial seal therearound in response to the attainment of a predetermined liquid level in said container; and

2. a flexible portion for sealingly covering said outlet port to close the same in response to engagement of said container wall by said seat when an energized vacuum source is connected to said outlet port.

3. A liquid collection container adapted to be filled by aspiration comprising, in combination:

a. first means above the maximum liquid level for said container defining a fluid outlet port and facilitating connection of the container interior to a vacuum source;

b. second means defining a liquid inlet for admitting liquid into said container by aspiration in response to action of an energized vacuum source connected to said outlet part;

c. a unitary float valve member hingedly mounted in operative position adjacent said outlet port and comprising first and second sealing means;

1. said first sealing means comprising a substantially continuous seat for circumscribing said outlet port and at least partially sealing said outlet port and a space therearound from the remaining interior portion of said container in response to rise of liquid in said container to a predetermined level; and

2. said second sealing means comprising flexible diaphragm means separating said space and said remaining interior portion, said diaphragm means in its undeflected condition being adapted to stand opposite said outlet port spaced therefrom a distance not exceeding the amplitude of said diaphragm means when said first sealing means is in sealing position, for closing said outlet port in response to suction force applied at said outlet port by an energized vacuum source connected thereto, whereby said container interior is disconnected from the vacuum source and filling thereof by aspiration is terminated.

4. A vacuum filled container according to claim 3 further comprising a flexible beam for hingedly mounting said float valve member adjacent said outlet port. thereby permitting said member to depend below said outlet port in open position in the absence of liquid therearound and permitting movement of said member to said sealing position when lift is provided by liquid in said container.

5. A vacuum operated liquid collection container comprising, in combination:

a. first means above the maximum liquid level for said container defining a fluid outlet port and facilitating connection ofthe container interior to a vacuum source;

b. second means defining a liquid inlet for admitting liquid into said container by aspiration in response to action of an energized vacuum source connected to said outlet port;

c. a buoyant cup-shaped member having a substantially continuous edge for engaging said container wall along a path circumscribing said outlet port and flexible sealing means adapted, in the undeflected condition, to stand opposite said outlet port, spaced therefrom, when said edge engages said container wall, the space between said port and said flexible sealing means not exceeding the amplitude of said flexible sealing means whereby suction force applied at said outlet port during engagement between said edge and said container wall will cause said flexible sealing means to sealingly engage said outlet port and terminate aspira tion; and means for hingedly mounting said member in operative position adjacent said outlet port, thereby permitting said member to depend below said outlet port with said edge disengaged from said container wall and permitting said member to be lifted by liquid in said container to establish engagement between said edge and said container wall for producing at least a partial seal isolating said outlet port from said container interior.

6. The vacuum operated fluid collection container of claim 5 wherein said buoyant cup-shaped member is of integrally molded thermoplastic.

7. A vacuum operated fluid collection container according to claim 5 wherein said outlet port comprises an inwardly extending spout and said continuous edge is adapted to engage said container wall in a manner circumscribing said spout and said flexible sealing means is adapted. in its undeflected condition, to stand in opposition to the inward end of said spout and spaced therefrom when said edge so engages said container wall.

8. A vacuum operated fluid collection container according to claim 5 wherein said cup-shaped member further comprises flange means projecting outwardly therefrom for preventing splash of fluid into said cupshaped member and enhancing the ability of said cupshaped member to be lifted by foam.

9. A vacuum operated fluid collection container according to claim 5 wherein said hinged mounting means comprises a flexible arm attached to said cup shaped member at one end fixedly supported at the other end.

It). A vacuum operated fluid collection container according to claim 9 wherein said cup-shaped member and said flexible arm comprise a unitary thermoplastic member.

11. A vacuum operated fluid collection container according to claim it] comprising a receptacle, a removable lid formed integrally with said first and second means and means fixedly mounting said other end of said arm to said lid.

12. A vacuum operated fluid collector comprising:

a. means forming a substantially fluid tight container;

b. first means above the maximum liquid level for said container defining a fluid outlet port and facili tating connection of the container interior to a vacuum source;

c. second means defining a liquid inlet for admitting liquid into said container by aspiration in response to action of an energized vacuum source connected to said outlet port;

d. a unitary, sealing member cup-shaped for buoyancy hingedly mounted internal of said container, adjacent said first means and adapted to be lifted by liquid which fills said container to a sealing posi tion wherein the periphery of said cup-shaped member circumscribes said outlet port;

e. a flexible arm forming a unitary hinge member extending from and integral with said cup-shaped member and mounted to the interior of said container for hingedly mounting said cup-shaped member adjacent said outlet port; and

. means forming a sealing rim around substantially the entire periphery of said cup-shaped member for isolating said outlet port from the container interior and forming a seal around said outlet port in response to suction forces applied at said outlet port.

13. A fluid collector according to claim 12 wherein said cupshaped member and said flexible arm comprise a single unitary thermoplastic member.

[4. A fluid collector according to claim 12 wherein said sealing rim comprises a tapered. outwardly flaring edge along the periphery of said cup-shaped member.

15. A fluid collector according to claim I, wherein said flexible hinge means comprises a unitary flexible arm integral with said sealing member. said arm having stiffening ribs along the length thereof to restrict said sealing member to depend at a predetermined angle below said port. 

1. A disposable vacuum operated liquid collection container adapted for use with a vacuum source, said container comprising in combination: a. first means above the maximum liquid level for said container defining a fluid outlet port adapted for connection to the vacuum source; b. Second means defining a liquid inlet for admitting liquid into said container by aspiration in response to action of an energized vacuum source connected to said outlet port; c. a unitary sealing member cup-shaped for buoyancy defining a surface for sealingly covering said outlet port; and d. flexible, unitary hinge means integral with said sealing member for mounting said sealing member internal of said container in operative position adjacent said outlet port, said hinge means permitting said member to depend below said port out of sealing position therewith and permitting movement of said member by floatation into said sealing position in response to a predetermined rise of liquid in said container, said member blocking communication to the vacuum source when in said sealing position.
 2. A vacuum operated liquid collection container comprising, in combination: a. first means above the maximum liquid level for said container defining a fluid outlet port and facilitating connection of the container interior to a vacuum source; b. second means defining a liquid inlet for admitting liquid into said container by aspiration in response to action of an energized vacuum source connected to said outlet port; c. a buoyant sealing member mounted internal of said container comprising:
 2. a flexible portion for sealingly covering said outlet port to close the same in response to engagement of said container wall by said seat when an energized vacuum source is connected to said outlet port.
 2. said second sealing means comprising flexible diaphragm means separating said space and said remaining interior portion, said diaphragm means in its undeflected condition being adapted to stand opposite said outlet port spaced therefrom a distance not exceeding the amplitude of said diaphragm means when said first sealing means is in sealing position, for closing said outlet port in response to suction force applied at said outlet port by an energized vacuum source connected thereto, whereby said container interior is disconnected from the vacuum source and filling thereof by aspiration is terminated.
 3. A liquid collection container adapted to be filled by aspiration comprising, in combination: a. first means above the maximum liquid level for said container defining a fluid outlet port and facilitating connection of the container interior to a vacuum source; b. second means defining a liquid inlet for admitting liquid into said container by aspiration in response to action of an energized vacuum source connected to said outlet part; c. a unitary float valve member hingedly mounted in operative position adjacent said outlet port and comprising first and second sealing means;
 4. A vacuum filled container according to claim 3 further comprising a flexible beam for hingedly mounting said float valve member adjacent said outlet port, thereby permitting said member to depend below said outlet port in open position in the absence of liquid therearound and permitting movement of said member to said sealing position when lift is provided by liquid in said container.
 5. A vacuum operated liquid collection container comprising, in combination: a. first means above the maximum liquid level for said container defining a fluid outlet port and facilitating connection of the container interior to a vacuum source; b. second means defining a liquid inlet for admitting liquid into said container by aspiration in response to action of an energized vacuum source connected to said outlet port; c. a buoyant cup-shaped member having a substantially continuous edge for engaging said container wall along a path circumscribing said outlet port and flexible sealing means adapted, in the undeflected condition, to stand opposite said outlet port, spaced therefrom, when said edge engages said container wall, the space between said port and said flexible sealing means not exceeding the amplitude of said flexible sealing means whereby suction force applied at said outlet port during engagement between said edge and said container wall will cause said flexible sealing means to sealingly engage said outlet port and terminate aspiration; and d. means for hingedly mounting said member in operative position adjacent said outlet port, thereby permitting said member to depend below said outlet port with said edge disengaged from said container wall and permitting said member to be lifted by liquid in said container to establish engagement between said edge and said container wall for producing at least a partial seal isolating said outlet port from said container intErior.
 6. The vacuum operated fluid collection container of claim 5 wherein said buoyant cup-shaped member is of integrally molded thermoplastic.
 7. A vacuum operated fluid collection container according to claim 5 wherein said outlet port comprises an inwardly extending spout and said continuous edge is adapted to engage said container wall in a manner circumscribing said spout and said flexible sealing means is adapted, in its undeflected condition, to stand in opposition to the inward end of said spout and spaced therefrom when said edge so engages said container wall.
 8. A vacuum operated fluid collection container according to claim 5 wherein said cup-shaped member further comprises flange means projecting outwardly therefrom for preventing splash of fluid into said cup-shaped member and enhancing the ability of said cup-shaped member to be lifted by foam.
 9. A vacuum operated fluid collection container according to claim 5 wherein said hinged mounting means comprises a flexible arm attached to said cup-shaped member at one end fixedly supported at the other end.
 10. A vacuum operated fluid collection container according to claim 9 wherein said cup-shaped member and said flexible arm comprise a unitary thermoplastic member.
 11. A vacuum operated fluid collection container according to claim 10 comprising a receptacle, a removable lid formed integrally with said first and second means and means fixedly mounting said other end of said arm to said lid.
 12. A vacuum operated fluid collector comprising: a. means forming a substantially fluid tight container; b. first means above the maximum liquid level for said container defining a fluid outlet port and facilitating connection of the container interior to a vacuum source; c. second means defining a liquid inlet for admitting liquid into said container by aspiration in response to action of an energized vacuum source connected to said outlet port; d. a unitary, sealing member cup-shaped for buoyancy hingedly mounted internal of said container, adjacent said first means and adapted to be lifted by liquid which fills said container to a sealing position wherein the periphery of said cup-shaped member circumscribes said outlet port; e. a flexible arm forming a unitary hinge member extending from and integral with said cup-shaped member and mounted to the interior of said container for hingedly mounting said cup-shaped member adjacent said outlet port; and f. means forming a sealing rim around substantially the entire periphery of said cup-shaped member for isolating said outlet port from the container interior and forming a seal around said outlet port in response to suction forces applied at said outlet port.
 13. A fluid collector according to claim 12 wherein said cupshaped member and said flexible arm comprise a single unitary thermoplastic member.
 14. A fluid collector according to claim 12 wherein said sealing rim comprises a tapered, outwardly flaring edge along the periphery of said cup-shaped member.
 15. A fluid collector according to claim 1, wherein said flexible hinge means comprises a unitary flexible arm integral with said sealing member, said arm having stiffening ribs along the length thereof to restrict said sealing member to depend at a predetermined angle below said port. 